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Middle School Supply Letter

Summer 2017

Dear Smith Academy Middle School Students, Parents, & Guardians,

Greetings! Here is some information about school supplies middle school students will need for the upcoming school year and a summary of middle school academic policies. We look forward to an exciting academic year, full of stimulating challenges.

BACKPACK POLICY

Students are not permitted to carry backpacks or bags during the school day unless with prior permission from the school nurse for medical purposes. Backpacks and bags may be used to transport books to and from school. Students have time to go to their lockers after every two classes. Our reasons for continuing this policy include a concern for students’ safety, a need for safe passage in classrooms and hallways, and a desire to promote organizational skills. Please note that school lockers are narrow (about 9” wide) and some larger backpacks don’t fit in them.

Homework Assignment Notebook

The school will provide a homework assignment notebook to all middle school students. We write homework assignments on our whiteboards, explain what students are expected to do, remind students to write down the assignment in their assignment book, and give them sufficient time to do so every day. In addition, students and parents will be able to access information about learning goals and class assignments for core academic classes online. We will provide more information about this in September.

Notebooks and Binders

For every class, students will need a pocket folder in which to store handouts and a section of a binder with lined paper or a single-subject notebook for class notes. One system that works well is using three 3-ring binders (1-1 ½”): one dedicated to English and Social Studies, another to Math and Science, and a third for afternoon classes. Students should bring dividers, pocket folders, white-lined filler paper, and three-hole punched graph paper to class; we will help them set up their binders for our classes.

It is important that students develop good habits about storing handouts in folders and binders. Tucking papers into textbooks is not a useful organizational strategy, and it can ruin the book, which may result a fine assessed for replacing or rebinding the book at the end of the year.

Other Supplies

Pencil case, stocked with pens and pencils (including about 12 high quality wooden pencils, such as Ticonderoga brand, for art)

One subject notebook for English class (Interactive Notebook)

A folder for French class (storing papers in the textbook destroys the binding of the book)

Calculator (A basic calculator is fine; a limited number of graphing calculators are available for students to use in class. Graphing calculator apps are an inexpensive and useful option for students who have handheld devices such as phones and iPods, but these cannot be used during tests.)

For math students should have notepaper and or a notebook along with graph paper. Students will also need in addition to calculator a protractor (clear is best).

Supplies will need to be replenished periodically throughout the year. Please check your student’s supplies from time to time and replenish as needed.

Computers

Smith Academy computers are PCs. Students have school-issued Google accounts, and we use Google Drive for most assignments, which can be accessed from any computer connected to the Internet.

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The Hatfield Public Schools do not discriminate in employment or in the delivery of educational services onthe basis of age, gender, gender identity, race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, disability,marital status, veteran status, or homelessness in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.